A single pothole can cause your car to roll over, and a patch of loose gravel can make your motorcycle slide into oncoming traffic. If you get hurt because of one of these dangers, you need a Fresno dangerous road condition accident lawyer right away.
A bad accident on Fresno’s roads, like a broken spine from a washout or a traumatic brain injury from hitting unmarked construction debris, can change your life in an instant.
You have to pay more and more medical bills, go to physical therapy, miss work and lose wages, and insurance adjusters are pushing you to settle quickly for a low amount.
Our Fresno dangerous road condition accident lawyers at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers will help you through every step of the recovery process. We talk to hospitals and lienholders for you, write down any permanent disabilities for future care, and fight with insurance companies so you can focus on getting better.
We have been practicing personal injury law in California for decades, so we know how to find out who is responsible for your injuries.
For example, the city that didn’t keep guardrails up or the state agency that didn’t fix faded pavement markings. This way, you can be sure to get full and fair compensation for your losses.
What Causes Car Accidents Most Often?
There are multiple factors that most commonly contribute to car accidents in Fresno and elsewhere in the United States. You can reduce your risk of causing a motor vehicle crash if you avoid these hazards.
Speeding
Speeding is a top cause of accidents, especially on the highway, where the results can be fatal. If people around you are going far above the speed limit, pull over and travel in the right lane whenever possible.
Driving Distracted
Never drive distracted. This means no texting or even talking on the phone using an earpiece. Kids and pets should be properly restrained. Keep your radio turned down so you can hear horns and sirens near you.
Driving Under the Influence
Most commonly, this refers to drinking and driving. But it also includes driving while on recreational drugs and on certain medications that cause drowsiness — whether prescription or over the counter. Driving when tired can mimic the effects of driving under the influence, so don’t operate a vehicle when exhausted.
How to Choose the Best Fresno Car Accident Lawyer
When life takes an unexpected turn, and you find yourself facing the aftermath of a personal injury, choosing the right legal representation is paramount to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. In the vast sea of attorneys, finding the ideal Fresno personal injury lawyer may seem daunting — we’re here to guide you through this crucial decision-making process.
Expertise That Matters
Look for a seasoned personal injury lawyer with a proven track record in handling cases similar to yours.
What does a car accident lawyer do? Their job is rarely straightforward. You need an attorney well-versed in the complexities of personal injury law who can navigate the legal waters with finesse, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome.
Compassion and Understanding
Your injury case is not just another file — it’s your life, and you deserve empathy and compassion from your lawyer. Seek a legal professional who truly listens to your story, understands your pain, and is committed to being your advocate throughout the process.
Client Testimonials
Don’t just take their word for it — listen to what their clients have to say. Honest testimonials and reviews from past clients provide valuable insights into the lawyer’s reputation, client satisfaction, and success rate.
Personalized Attention
Your case is unique and deserves personalized attention tailored to your specific needs. Choose a Fresno car accident lawyer who prioritizes open communication and treats you as an individual, not just another case number.
Trial Experience
While many personal injury cases settle outside of court, having a lawyer with substantial trial experience can be a game-changer. A fearless litigator is prepared to take your case to court if needed, sending a powerful message to the opposing party.
Transparent Fee Structure
Clear and transparent communication about the lawyer’s fee structure is crucial. Choose an attorney who offers a contingency fee arrangement, so you don’t have to worry about upfront costs or fees unless they win your case.
Local Knowledge
Opt for a car accident lawyer with a strong presence in the Fresno community. Local attorneys understand the intricacies of the local legal system, and their connections may prove invaluable in building a compelling case.
Initial Consultation
Take advantage of a free initial consultation to assess your potential lawyer. Use this opportunity to ask questions, gauge their expertise, and determine if you feel comforWhy Work With The Fresno Dangerous Road Condition Accident Lawyers at Kuzyk Law?
When things are hard, you can count on the team at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers to be there for you. We have Fresno dangerous road condition accident lawyers who not only know the law, but also understand the hardship this has caused you and your family. We are here to fight for your right to get better and take back your future.
Why should you let us handle your case? Because we think your story should be told and your pain should be respected.
Deep local roots.
We’ve represented Central Valley crash victims for over 20 years and know how Fresno courts weigh road-maintenance claims.
Proven record.
Our verdicts & settlements showcase multimillion-dollar recoveries for hazardous-road crashes.
Full-service support.
From securing immediate medical evaluations to building life-care plans for permanent disabilities, we manage every detail.
No-fee promise.
You pay nothing unless we win. Call or complete our free consultation form today.
When is a Road Considered “Dangerous”?
A road is legally “dangerous” when its design, upkeep, or use makes conditions that are unreasonably unsafe and that a reasonable driver could not have seen coming.
The American Society of Civil Engineers’ report card shows that poor pavement quality and missing guardrails are problems across the country.
In Fresno, this means that there are unmarked washouts on rural roads, curves near campus areas that aren’t appropriately banked, and construction zones that lack proper signage.
The Federal Tort Claims Act allows people hurt on federal highways to sue the government for not keeping the roads safe. State and local agencies have similar responsibilities to keep roads safe for everyone.
Making a Claim Under the Federal Tort Claims Act
Most of the time, dangerous road lawsuits are against state or local governments. However, there are times when you may need to sue a federal agency, like the U.S. Forest Service or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
This is done through a specific process outlined in the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA). The FTCA waives the federal government’s immunity from lawsuits in certain situations, but it has very strict rules and deadlines that must be followed. Failing to meet these requirements can result in your case being dismissed before it ever goes to court.
Our team and Fresno dangerous road condition accident lawyer has the expertise to determine the correct entity to sue—whether it’s the City of Fresno, Caltrans, or a federal agency—and we know how to navigate the complex legal requirements, including the FTCA.
Top Causes of Dangerous Road Accidents in Fresno
In our experience as Fresno dangerous road condition accident lawyers, we’ve seen a variety of factors that contribute to accidents on hazardous roads. While some are a result of natural elements, many are due to human error and a lack of proper maintenance by those responsible for our roadways.
Bad Weather Conditions
Fresno is known for its intense summer heat and dense fog during the winter months. Poorly designed roads with inadequate drainage can quickly become hazardous during a sudden rainstorm. When combined with fog, these dangerous road conditions create a recipe for disaster.
Poorly Designed Roads
Some roads are simply designed poorly, with features like sharp curves, improper banking, or intersections that are difficult to navigate. These design flaws can cause even the most careful drivers to lose control, especially when combined with other factors like speeding or bad weather.
Construction
Road construction can create serious hazards for drivers. Accidents often occur due to improper signage, unexpected lane changes, or road debris that isn’t properly cleared. It is the responsibility of the construction company or government agency to ensure the construction zone is safe for all motorists.
Blind Turns
A road with a blind turn that lacks proper warning signs is a hazard waiting to happen. Drivers need adequate warning to slow down and prepare for the turn, and if that warning is missing, a crash is often the tragic result.
Washouts
In an area with heavy rains or floods, a road that is not properly maintained can experience a washout, where the road surface is damaged or collapses entirely. Driving over a washout can cause a serious accident and catastrophic injuries.
No Pedestrian Consideration
Many dangerous road accidents involve pedestrians who are hit because of a lack of proper crosswalks, sidewalks, or adequate lighting. It is the responsibility of the government agency to ensure that its roads are safe for all users, not just drivers.
Common Dangerous Road Defects
While many factors can contribute to an accident, some of the most common defects are direct failures of road maintenance. We have a deep understanding of these common issues and how to prove that they led to a crash.
Common Dangerous Road Defects
While many factors can contribute to an accident, some of the most common defects are direct failures of road maintenance. We have a deep understanding of these common issues and how to prove that they led to a crash.
Uneven surfaces and edge drops
Uneven roads, especially those with significant drops from the pavement to the shoulder, can cause a driver to lose control and run off the road.
Loose gravel or asphalt
When gravel or asphalt is left on the road after a construction project or a heavy storm, it can cause a driver to lose traction and skid, leading to a serious accident.
Potholes
A pothole that is deep enough can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle or even blow out a tire, leading to a dangerous crash.
Missing guardrails
On bridges, overpasses, or roads with steep drop-offs, a missing or broken guardrail can be the difference between a scary event and a fatal one.
Faded or missing pavement markings
Faded lane lines or missing stop signs can confuse and lead to head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, or other serious crashes.
Who is Liable for a Dangerous Road Crash?
A private person is usually the one who causes a car accident. But in a Fresno lawsuit about dangerous road conditions, the person or group responsible is typically a government body.
It could be the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), Fresno County, the City of Fresno, or a private company hired to build or fix roads.
To prove liability, you need notice evidence, which shows that the agency in charge knew or should have known about the problem and didn’t do anything about it.
Our team of Fresno dangerous road condition accident lawyers obtains maintenance logs, 311-call records, and expert road-safety studies to show that the other party knew about the problem and failed to address it.
This is a much more complicated and different legal process than suing a private person.
California Dangerous Road Laws
You need a lawyer who can hold powerful government bodies accountable if you want to get through the legal system after a bad car accident.
At Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, our legal team doesn’t just know the law; we know it inside and out. We have a lot of experience with the most important laws and rules required for a successful claim.
Caltrans Regulations require regular inspections and repairs of state highways. We expose when these duties were neglected, directly linking a failure to maintain the road to your crash.
Vehicle Code §34520 mandates clear sight distances and safe alignment on public roads. We use this to prove that a poorly designed or maintained road, like one with overgrown vegetation or a dangerous curve, was the direct cause of your injuries.
Local Ordinances from Fresno County and the City of Fresno set additional duties for road maintenance. Our deep local knowledge allows us to leverage these specific codes to strengthen your claim.
A Fresno dangerous road condition accident lawyer from our firm leverages this comprehensive legal knowledge to prove that government entities or contractors neglected their duty of care. We turn their legal obligations into the foundation of your case, transforming a story of personal tragedy into a robust demand for justice.
Fresno Car Accident Law Firm
We at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers are experts at making complicated road safety claims into clear, winning cases.
Our team includes civil engineers, crash reconstruction experts, and medical experts who work together to make sure our demands are solid.
Our lawyers know how to connect hazards to vehicle dynamics to personal harm, whether you were hurt in a low-speed crash with a guardrail or a high-speed crash on a curve that wasn’t taken care of.
Discover our breadth of practice—ranging from truck accidents to wrongful death—to see why clients trust us for every crash scenario.
Do I Have a Case for my Dangerous Road Accident Injury in Fresno?
If you were injured because a dangerous road condition existed—and the responsible agency or party knew (or should have known) about it—you likely have a case. Key questions we explore in an initial consultation:
- Was the hazard long-standing or recently reported?
- Did proper warning signs or barriers exist?
- Do maintenance logs or citizen complaints show notice?
- Were professional engineering or safety standards violated?
Answering these uncovers both liability and strategy for your claim.
Compensation Available
If your case is successful, you can recover a wide range of damages, including:
Economic Damages:
These are the financial losses you’ve incurred, such as medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of vehicle repair.
Non-Economic Damages:
These are the more intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
Punitive Damages:
In rare cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly malicious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the at-fault party and deter others from similar actions.
Client Testimonials
“After my bike hit a washout on County Road J, I was left paralyzed. Kuzyk Law fought the county, obtained maintenance records, and secured a multi-million-dollar settlement. They literally gave me back hope.”
— Maria S., Fresno
“I never imagined a pothole could total my car and wreck my back. The team at Kuzyk walked me through every step, handled the insurance fight, and got me full compensation. Highly recommend.”
— James L., Clovis
See more success stories on our testimonials page.
Contact the Fresno Dangerous Road Attorneys at Kuzyk Law Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Today!
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by dangerous roads, you don’t have to face this battle alone. The team at Kuzyk Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers is ready to stand by your side. We have a track record of success, a deep knowledge of California law, and an unwavering commitment to our clients.
Call us to speak with a Fresno dangerous road condition accident lawyer today!
Your journey to recovery starts here. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. There is no risk to you, as we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay us nothing unless we win your case. Let us be your voice, your advocate, and your partner in seeking the justice you deserve.
FAQs
How quickly should I report a hazardous road crash?
File an official complaint with the responsible agency within days, then contact our lawyers to secure maintenance records before they’re overwritten.
Can I sue the state of California for a dangerous condition?
Yes—under the California Tort Claims Act, you must submit a claim to the state (or local entity) within six months before filing suit.
What if the hazard was temporary (e.g., construction debris)?
A: Temporary hazards still impose duties on contractors to provide clear markings and barriers. We evaluate those specific obligations.
Who pays if no single party is clearly responsible?
We explore multiple defendants—city, county, Caltrans, contractors, even property owners—to assemble a comprehensive liability theory.
How much does hiring a road condition lawyer cost?
We work on contingency—the only fee is a percentage of recovery, and you owe nothing if we don’t win.
